Gough Bailey Wright has joined forces with industry veteran Bruce Hutton in a deal that will strengthen the creative proposition of one of the UKs oldest and most respected independent IPA marketing agencies.
Joining current owner Michelle Wright as an equal partner, Hutton brings his own client book including The Green Sheep Group, ABP Technologies, Primary Trauma Care Foundation, and Omega PLC along with 25 years of industry experience.
Prior to his most recent role as Chief Executive at Cogent Elliott Group from 2017 until earlier this year, Bruce spent 7 years as Group Chief Executive of Bray Leino in the Southwest, and 3 years as an Executive Board Member at Mission Marketing Group PLC.
Bruce commented “I’ve known Michelle since she took up her position as City Head for the IPA around 5 years ago, and I’ve always admired GBW for its excellent PR reputation and niche property specialism. It is a well-respected and very robust business that enjoys many long-standing client relationships, which speaks volumes about the quality of the agency. I’ve spent time working with GBW this year, and I’m extremely impressed with the calibre and experience of the team. There is huge potential for lean independent agencies with depth of talent right now, and we believe clients are looking for teams that are proven to deliver effective work. I’m incredibly excited to become an Owner Operator and very much looking forward to joining Michelle in this new chapter.”
Michelle Wright and Sue Bailey orchestrated an MBO of Gough Allen Stanley in 2005 building an enviable reputation for specialist work in the Property Sector, together with integrated marketing for trade, construction, and home interest brands, as well as visitor attractions, Local government, housing, and charities. Sue Bailey stepped down from the day-to-day in 2020, taking up the role of Chairman, maintaining a minority shareholding.
Michelle Wright commented “I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Bruce and his clients to GBW. We have an enviable reputation, and a 90-year history, and we’re ready for this new era. Bruce’s high-level experience in creative excellence will strengthen our offering and bring significant benefits to existing clients whilst helping to drive the business forward. The partnership is a very natural fit. Bruce will focus on agency development, and with that comes a recruitment drive, so we’ll be working towards IPA CPD Gold Certification over the next 12 months.
GBW is based in Bromsgrove and currently employs 15 industry professionals. Hutton and Wright have both served as regional chairman for the IPA, and both champion industry training, CPD and Advertising Effectiveness.